. >> when president obama was asked about the recent disruption and the chaos and violence in the middle east, he said that these were merely bumps in the road. >> how are you doing? >> god bless you, sir. >> thanks. >> reporter: bumps in the road also describe what's the romney campaign has been unable to avoid if recent weeks, costly distractions and discouraging poll numbers are upstaging the message. >> look at what president obama did on the budget -- nothing! except borrow and spend. >> when they talk about the culture of dependency, about american decline, i can honestly say to you i don't recognize the country they're talking about. >> reporter: while vice president biden was fighting for votes in florida, the president was calling on congress to help homeowners, even as he defended his campaign's weak spot. >> so we're moving in the right direction, but we're not there. >> reporter: a point up for debate as the presidential candidates get ready for their first showdown on wednesday. brian mooar, nbc news, washington. >>> and coming up next at 11:00, friends and family continue